When a sista’one to anotherstarts a sentencewith the word “girl”you know in an instantthe next utteranceout of her mouthis sure to perk up your ears

There’s the gutturalGhu-u-u-r-r-r-llthat pushes you to the edge of your seatas if waiting for E. F. Hutton to speakIt starts deep in the bellylips purseda gradual crescendo of notes up the music staffsignaling a Can I get a Amentestimony is eminent

And there’s the bold and sassyGirhl, seriously? –her response to the tale you just toldthat’s even hardfor you to believe

Then there’s the baritone whisper,Gerleto get your attentionon the down-lowfor that ever-importantpiece of gossipshe’s itchin’ to spread

And not to forgetthe high-pitchedGiiirla shrill of sortsI couldn’t agree with you moretype of statement

So the next timeyou hear a sista’ sayGhu-u-u-r-r-r-l-l, Girhl, Gerle, GiiirlListen up‘cause you’re about to hearsome JUICE!

Author Bio:Deborah LeFalle is an active retiree who enjoys writing, supporting the arts, and spending time outdoors communing with nature. Poetry is the genre of writing she is drawn to most, with inspiration for her poems often stemming from personal experiences. Penumbra, Sisyphus Quarterly and Icon are a few of the journals where her work has appeared.